'Imps on a Bridge and Tree House' an Important Flame Fairyland Lustre Plaque, circa 1926believed to be unique, the rectangular earthenware plaque painted in the flame colourway, framed in an ebonised and pewter frame41cm x 29cm (excluding frame), no marks to reverse

Footnotes

This exceptional plaque is the largest plaque executed in the Fairyland range. To add to its allure, it is believed to be the only one in existence in the Flame Fairyland colourway (pattern 'F3081'). The only other plaque of this nature thought to exist was executed in the same pattern but in a 'Moonlight' colourway (pattern 'F3082').

The Flame Fairyland plaque is illustrated in Una des Fontaine's 'Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre', Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1975, pg. 213, pl. 49, where it is well documented as being produced in 1926 in earthernware, rather than the usual porcelain body. The vivid colours and the Flame Lustre sky, along with the crispness to the gilding, make this example a spectacular showcase of Wedgwood's most desirable series of the Twentieth century. It was no doubt created at the time to champion their range, indeed, it can be seen placed directly behind a bust of Josiah Wedgwood in a window display at the Army and Navy Department Store in 1930, celebrating the Bi-centenary of his birth in 1930.

Saleroom notices

Contrary to the catalogue and Una des Fontaines publication this plaque is fired on porcelain and not earthenware.

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